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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Pretty much the best spinach & artichoke dip you'll ever eat....

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This dip is amazing. Every time I've made it, usually for large gatherings since it's a pretty big side dish, it has been raved over. I like to use Wheat Thins for dipping, haven't tried anything else because I think it tastes best. Let me know if you try something better. I just made this for a Christmas party a few weeks ago & forgot to take a picture of the finished product, sorry!! It really does look appetizing, too. Yum. I tried Applebee's Spinach & Artichoke dip & was very disappointed. Enjoy!!

Spinach & Artichoke Dip


1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
1 cup mayo (NOT miracle whip)
1 pkg Knorr veg dip & soup mix
1 pkg frozen spinach, thawed & drained
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, strained & chopped
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 c parmesan cheese

Combine all the ingredients except parmesan. Pour into 2 qt shallow baking dish, smooth & flatten with spatula. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top. Bake @ 350 for 30 mins.

The only thing I can suggest is to cut down on the parmesan. I only seem to use about 1/4 of a cup, there's just ALOT. It will bubble & brown on the top but it turns out just perfect.


Sunday, December 26, 2010

Finally...the winner is announced!

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Soooo sorry it's taken me 6 days to announce the winner. I've been super duper busy, as I'm sure many of you will understand with the holidays & all. Plus, I've been workin like every day, it seems! haha!

Anyway, now to the point....


The winner of the World's Best Origami book is.....

#4 who said....


Morgan said...




How neat!!! I just watched a documentary not too long ago on origami....they did some crazy stuff!!

I follow you on GFC :o)

Congrats Morgan!!!!

I have emailed you & will need a response within 48 hrs or the prize will have to go to someone else :)
Usually I post a webcam pic of the winner on random.org but my webcam is having technical difficulties so I'm skipping it this time :)
Thanks to all of you for entering & for being an awesome follower!!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

2 days left to enter! VERY low entry!

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I have very low entries for this giveaway & need alot more!! 

For the next 2 days (giveaway ends on 12/20 at 10pm)

I am offering 3 EXTRA entries to anyone who sends someone over to enter the Origami Book Giveaway.

Make sure your friend mentions your name!!

Then come back here & leave 3 separate comments as extra entries to win!!

It would make a fabulous & unique Christmas gift!

Thank you & GOOD LUCK!!


Thursday, December 2, 2010

Ohhhh CSN, dreams do come true!

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CSN is unlike alot of online websites. 

First of all, there are 200+ stores within CSN stores. I don't know any other site like that.

Second, they have pretty much the fastest shipping I've ever experience. We're talkin 2-3 days here peeps.

And third, they have almost anything you could be needing/wanting/or whatever!

The items range from unique toys for your little ones all the way to coffee tables.


For real, if you have kids, go over & check out their ginormous toy selection, it's very impressive!

I'm a fan, you should be too!



*Winner Winner!*

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Winner Winner Of the Calabasas Candy Package!

Issss....


Lucky # 24






domesticbliss said...  coffee marshmallows!!
 
Congrats DomesticBliss!
You have been emailed & have 48 hrs to respond.

Thank you to all who participated!

Monday, November 29, 2010

"World's Best Origami" Book Review & Giveaway!

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Remember folding paper into a hand-held fortune teller, paper airplane or secret note square? Whether a fortune teller novice or a seasoned paper-folding expert, the new book World's Best Origami (ISBN: 9781615640539, Alpha Books, November 2010, $19.95) challenges readers with more than 100 of the most unique and best-loved origami patterns ever created.

Professional origami artist, Nick Robinson, guides readers through the process of folding paper. Projects are rated from beginner to advanced and include everything from the traditional swan and poppy box to truly amazing pieces such as a geodetic tower and a jet plane! Each diagram is clearly displayed with easy-to-understand folding instructions for a perfect outcome every time. 

The book teaches readers how to:
-          Choose the best paper for the project
-     Make basic folds and perfect creases
-     Follow clear and simple folding instructions for a successful project outcome
-          Gain an understanding  of origami symbols

 My Opinion:
I was very impressed with the size of the book, especially for the price.
I loved how each origami fold is rated so you know which ones are good to start with & which are a challenge.
I found the book very intriguing. I've always had an interest in origami so I'm very excited to receive this book!
I tried a couple of the simpler folds to start out & did great! I can't wait to do more.


About the Author: Nick Robinson (London, England, UK) is a professional origami artist and author who has been folding paper for 30 years. A member of the British Origami Society who edits its magazine and maintains its website, Nick has written over 30 books on origami, as well as numerous articles, and done several commercial and charitable origami commissions involving origami and paper art over the last 20 years. Nick has created several hundred original designs and teaches origami in schools, arts centers, and many other venues. 

BUY IT

World's Best Origami is sold for $19.95

WIN IT

Alpha Books has been soo very generous to offer one of my lucky readers a copy of this fabulous World's Best Origami book!

  *Mandatory*- You must be a Google Follower to participate. If you are one, leave a comment saying you already follow & gain an entry.

  • 'Like' Everyday Mama on FB 
  •  Leave a comment saying why you'd like to win this giveaway
  • Post this giveaway on any giveaway linky & leave comment reference (+3 entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway & leave link (+2 entries)
Contest open to US readers 18+
Contest ends Dec 20th at 10pm EST.
Winner will be chosen via random.org & emailed.
Please make sure your email is available.
If after 48 hrs, there is no response, a new winner will be chosen. 






Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., publishes high- quality lifestyle and reference books in 30 different categories. The Complete Idiot's Guides®, Alpha Teach Yourself in 24 Hours, At Your Fingertips-- as well as other series and stand-alone titles -- provide helpful how-to information and general knowledge in an easily accessible manner.


Saturday, November 27, 2010

All I want for Christmas is

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Well the stomach bug that visited this house & tortured me & my youngest has gone away but it lasted way too long! I was sick for a good 36 hrs (hey, whatever happened to stomach bugs lasting 24??) Luckily, Noah only had it for 12 hrs but it was miserable for the poor lil guy. I was glad that no one else caught it or it would have cost me my Thanksgiving holiday. I did end up getting 3 days off in a row because of it though...not sure if that's good or bad. Got to use some of my sick time though! Haha.

So I didn't do any of the crazy black friday junk. I just DON'T. Dont' care, that is. I have much more important things to do at 4am...like sleep in my nice cozy bed that I just bought some warrrrrm flannel sheets for last night! Yummm. I haven't had flannel sheets since I was a teenager, I'm psyched. Such a difference from the crispy stuff when it's cold out.

I've gotten the kids most of their presents. I'm just kinda wingin' it. I worked yesterday on Black Friday at Walmart but didn't come in until 9am so I figured most of the good stuff was gone. Boy was I wrong (kinda. Maybe I should have gotten their earlier for a $20 scanner/printer because mine just broke!!). Right there smack in front of the pharmacy was 2 remaining 12" Boys Bikes for only $29!! I was so psyched. I've been needing to get Chris a bike (he still rides a metal red tricycle fit for a 2 yr old) but I haven't had the extra $60-$90 for one. I couldn't believe it was so cheap & I even got my 20% discount! Scoooore.

I still need to find a "big" present for Noah but he really doesn't want anything & it's frustrating. Also, his birthday is 8 days before Christmas so I'm wondering how the heck I'm gonna get enough presents for Christmas, let alone his birthday. Luckily he's only turning 2 because I'm clueless & he won't even care what he gets. He pretty much just loves TRUCKS & well....you can only have so many trucks!

And mama? Well, I've got a few things on my list but I don't think anyone will get them for me this year. Guess it can stay there! Oh well. My biggest wishes....
  1. Ugg boots :) And probably some skinny jeans or leggings to pair with em.
  2. A netbook/laptop. I'm not sure which is better or whatever but I"d just like something I can take where I go.
  3. A baby GIRL! :) Guess no one can help me on that one....
  4. Oh & maybe some new clothes.
That's pretty much it...I'm not too big into wanting things these days. I just like to see my boys happy & entertained! LOL